A spirit of celebration, gratitude and belonging filled the Are Karioi Nui National Auditorium today as the Cook Islands officially welcomed 236 new Permanent Residents during a ceremony held in Rarotonga and hosted by Te Kauono Tutara e te Mana Tiaki, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration.
Surrounded by family and friends, the recipients were formally recognised for their contributions to the Cook Islands and their commitment to making this country their permanent home. Many of the recipients have lived, worked, raised families and made valuable contributions to Cook Islands communities over many years.
In his welcome remarks, Honourable Vaine Mokoroa, who represented the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, welcomed recipients and acknowledged the journeys that had brought them to the Cook Islands.
"Whatever your story, each one of you made a choice. You chose our islands, our people, and our way of life. You have contributed your skills, your energy, and your hearts to our communities, in our workplaces, our churches, our schools and our villages. Permanent Residence is our country's way of recognising that choice and of saying that you belong here."
Today, we also acknowledged two outstanding individuals whose voluntary contributions have helped preserve an important part of the Cook Islands military history. In recognition of their efforts to honour and preserve the legacy of Cook Islands veterans, Catherine Walker and Paul Morrissey were awarded Honorary Permanent Residence of the Cook Islands.
Following their keynote address, they were presented with their certificates by His Excellency Sir Tom Marsters KBE, King's Representative, in recognition of their dedication, passion and service.
Catherine and Paul have ensured that the stories of many Cook Islands veterans are not forgotten. Their work has strengthened our connection to the past and helped preserve an important part of our national heritage for future generations.
The recipients collectively recited the Oath of Allegiance before His Excellency Sir Tom Marsters KBE, King's Representative, and were then invited individually to receive their Permanent Resident certificates from Honourable Vaine Mokoroa, Minister of Justice, Education, Youth and Sport.
On behalf of the Government and people of the Cook Islands, Hon. Vaine Mokoroa congratulated all recipients and their families on achieving this significant milestone and warmly welcomed them into the Cook Islands family.
A total of 236 Permanent Resident certificates were awarded during today's ceremony. The recipients were made up of nationals from Australia (10), Chile (1), Fiji (57), France (2), Germany (2), Indonesia (2), Italy (1), Nauru (1), New Zealand (71), Philippines (64), Samoa (5), Solomon Islands (4), South Africa (4), Switzerland (2), Tonga (2), Tuvalu (1), United Kingdom (4), United States of America (1), and Vanuatu (2).
For the full list of Permanent Residence recipients, click here: https://mfai.gov.ck/sites/default/files/2026-07/2026%20Permanent%20Resident%20Ceremony%20Recipients%20List.pdf